Running Time: 98 Minutes
Starring: Scott Poythress, Johnny Sibilly, Alexis Louder, Trace Lysette, AJ Bowen
Back in 2019, writer/director Josh Lobo made a memorable debut with festival favourite chamber piece I Trapped The Devil. He returns seven-years later with Night After Night, a sophomore feature that offers an unnerving mystery rooted in character drama.
Viewers are introduced to Andy (Scott Poythress), a security guard employed by a mysterious university. He bonds with coworker Willis (Johnny Sibilly) over conversations, including whether they prefer television or film. Andy becomes dismissive when his fellow employee grows paranoid about the school, but he soon takes notice when Willis vanishes. One night while patrolling a newly constructed wing, Andy discovers a hidden room where a mysterious entity reappears night after night.
In one moment, Andy shares that he offers consistency and discretion at his job. This is also reflected in his private life, as his time away from work involves staying alone indoors, a decision which enforces his refusal at opening up to others. He is depicted as a man troubled by his own actions, considering himself a monster as he lives alone for the first time. It seems that he walked away from his wife and daughter, with the impression being that he wished to isolate himself after losing control of his anger.
However, it is clear that the distance has not improved things for Andy. Scenes showcase him firing a gun at a shooting range, sat outside of his wife's house like a stalker, and even pointing a gun at the walls of his noisy neighbours. Scott Poythress' great performance captures a resignation in the character, wanting to ensure that he won't repeat his unknown shameful incident, but is unwilling to admit how this situation is hurting him inside.
A liminal approach is utilised to explore the university, with wide open spaces capturing a growing sense of unease. It offers the feeling that something else is lurking around, while raising questions about this university's true purpose, and what Andy should be scared of. These elements are brought alive in stylistic ways, while aided by Simon Waskow's marvelous score to build atmosphere and fascinatingly capture an unnerving feeling. The deliberate pacing is an acquired taste, feeling a bit too glacial and at times impenetrable for this reviewer. But, for those that this measured approach works for, you will have a terrific time.
The real danger lurking throughout is the threat of violence committed by the men. Opportune moments arise for them to let down their walls and open up with one-another, but they struggle to make those strides to build their relationships. Instead, their inaction leaves them choosing self-imposed isolation, with the bubbling frustration leaving them as an unfortunate threat. University founder Janica Vox (Alexis Louder) may preach the importance of empathy over violence, but it cannot resonate if the message falls on deaf ears. Even if a person realises their flaws, will they do anything to change them?
By the end, viewers are left questioning whether the steps have been taken towards a better future. Have the walls been let down in a breakthrough moment, or have the vulnerabilities been taken advantage of in the name of recruitment? That is up to your interpretation, leaving Night After Night to linger in your memory. Here's hoping that we have less time to wait for Josh Lobo's third feature.
Night After Night had its World Premiere at the Chattanooga Film Festival
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